Malayalam actor of 'Marco' fame Unni Mukundan denies assaulting his former PR manager

Dubai: Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan has denied allegations of assault and intimidation made by his former PR manager, Vipin Kumar, dismissing the claims as “false” and part of a “propaganda campaign", according to a report in Onmanorama. Ironically, he admitted that just "confronted" the actor about maligning his reputation.

The Marco star also claimed it's aimed at damaging his personal and professional relationships — particularly with fellow actor Tovino Thomas.

The controversy erupted after Vipin filed a police complaint at the Info Park police station in Kochi, alleging that Mukundan physically assaulted him following a social media post praising Tovino’s recent film Narivetta. In his statement to the police, Vipin claimed that Mukundan was angered by the post, called him to the parking area of his residence, and physically attacked him. The FIR reportedly accuses the actor of assault, destruction of property, and issuing threats.

“He beat me after hurling abuses. I’ve worked with him for six years,” Vipin told reporters. “He knows I also handle publicity for other actors. But he was upset that I promoted Narivetta. His recent projects, Marco and Get Set Baby, didn’t perform well, and a film he was supposed to direct fell through. I think he’s venting his frustrations on those close to him.”

Vipin added that Mukundan allegedly damaged his sunglasses during the altercation and warned him against working with others in the industry.

Responding to the allegations, Mukundan issued a statement rejecting the accusations in their entirety. “These are completely baseless and fabricated claims,” he said. “I see this as a deliberate attempt to stir controversy and damage the friendship I’ve shared with Tovino Thomas for years. There’s no truth to any of it.”

As the investigation continues, both parties have taken their versions to the media, resulting in a public war of words. The Kerala police have yet to issue an official update on the case.

In an earlier interview with Gulf News in Dubai, conducted prior to the controversy, Mukundan reflected on his journey, his ambitions, and the risks he took to make Marco — a film that’s either shocking or thrilling audiences, with little room for neutrality.

“Maybe for the last two or three weeks, I’ve felt like a pan-Indian star,” he said then, with a half-smile. “The success of Marco is the result of immense effort from everyone involved. It’s a proud moment for the Malayalam industry.”

He was also candid about the risks of producing a film that holds nothing back. With scenes of brutal violence, acid vats, and gold-smuggling rivalries, Marco has been labelled one of the most violent Malayalam films ever made.

“We were upfront about what we were making. This isn’t violence for the sake of it — it’s about creating a world that’s raw and intense,” he explained. “Some people love it. Some hate it. That’s fine. Cinema should provoke.”

Mukundan also welcomed comparisons to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, calling it a compliment. “Animal has its own style. Marco is different — it’s more chaotic, more brutal. But if both films are sparking conversation, we’re doing something right.”

Despite the swirling allegations now grabbing headlines, Mukundan appears focused on the work.

In that earlier interview, he summed up his attitude: “Cinema is both art and business. I’m grateful, but never fully satisfied. There’s always more to do.”

Whether on screen or off, Unni Mukundan remains a figure who divides opinion — and, for now, keeps the spotlight firmly on him.